Terror Plot: FG Moves To Tighten Airport, Prison Security

Amid a suspected insurgent plot targeting the airport and correctional facilities in Abuja and neighbouring Niger State, security agencies have moved to reinforce the sites.

The Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Correctional Service told Punch on Thursday that they have proactively strengthened security around the airports and custodial centres.

There was an internal memo from the Nigerian Customs Service yesterday, which disclosed plans by terrorists to attack the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Kuje Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory and the prison facility in Niger State.

The intelligence also indicated that sleeper cells linked to Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram are behind the plot.

Security sources warned that the objective of the planned attacks may be twofold—freeing detained insurgents and inflicting significant damage on critical infrastructure.

“Their intention is to release detained terrorists and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure,” the memo reportedly stated.

Authorities also observed that the emerging threat mirrors a recent attack in Niamey, where terrorists assaulted an Air Force base earlier in the year, injuring soldiers and damaging military assets.

In response, agencies including the police, immigration, and correctional services have heightened surveillance and reinforced security presence around vulnerable locations.

Officials say multiple layers of security checks have been activated at the airport and custodial centres, alongside increased intelligence sharing among agencies.

The Customs Service has also directed stricter screening of individuals and vehicles, while deploying specialised units to monitor suspicious activities around identified flashpoints.

Despite these measures, there has been no comprehensive official statement detailing additional counter-terrorism strategies from all security agencies as of press time.

Security experts have, however, urged authorities to act decisively on the intelligence, warning that past incidents have shown the consequences of delayed or inadequate responses to credible threats.